Organ Specific Changes in Markers of Oxidative Stress in Choline, Carnitine and Caffeine Supplemented and Exercised Rats

Abstract

Objective: of this study was to determine changes in oxidative indices in tissues of exercised rats fed diet forti- fied with choline, carnitine and caffeine; and relate to those reported in humans. Methods: 7-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were studied for five weeks. Diets were supplemented with choline, carnitine and caffeine and rats were either exercised or not during the last 2 weeks of the dietary regimen. Tissue samples were collected at the end of the period and analyzed for the concentrations of TBARS, hydroperoxides and protein car- bonyls. Results: The changes modulated by the supplement as well as exercise regimens in the oxidative stress markers were tis- sue specific. The changes in serum TBARS of rats were unlike those in women under similar conditions of treatment we reported earlier. Conclusions: The effects of choline, carnitine and caffeine supplements on the indices of oxidative stress were tissue spe- cific and were not always correlated with serum TBARS. The changes in serum TBARS in rats were contrary to those re- ported in humans under similar conditions of treatment.